Villagers bid adieu to Maharashtra soldier killed in Kashmir

Thousands of villagers from Maharashtra's Nashik district and surrounding areas on Monday bid a tearful adieu to soldier Shankar Chandrabhan Shinde, who was killed while fighting highly-trained militants in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

Naik Shinde was cremated with full military honors at his village, Bhayal.

He was among the two soldiers of Indian Army killed while fighting the militants at Zoonreshi village of Chowkibal in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Bhayal village is located in Chandwad tehsil of Nashik and has a population of 1,400, with around 80 of its residents serving in the armed forces, an official said.

Shinde was in the army for the last 15 years.

He is survived by wife, a six and half year old daughter and a 20 month old son.

Shiv Sena minister Dadasaheb Bhuse said his party will give Rs 5 lakh to Shinde's family and also build a memorial for him at the village.

Shinde made the country proud by fighting gallantly against the highly entrenched militants before laying down his life for the motherland.

Fondly called 'Master' for his instructional capabilities, Shinde, in his 15 years of service, served at difficult and hostile places across the globe.

A physically fit soldier having exceptional firing skills, Shinde, was part of the United Nations peace keeping mission in Southern Sudan in 2012.

Earlier in 2006-07, he was posted in the same RR unit to combat militancy. His elder brother is a junior commissioned officer in the elite Para (Special Forces) battalion of the Army.